Most of KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer E2s are not flying

Dutch regional airline has 14 E195-E2s, but eight of them were out of service in the first week of January. Issue involves Pratt & Whitney engine, company explained

KLM Cityhopper is currently one of the largest operators of Embraer E2 jets. The Dutch regional carrier took delivery of its 14th aircraft of its type in December, joining the 47 first-generation E-Jets in its fleet.

However, only six E195-E2s are currently being used, according to flight tracking records. The high unavailability is strange since Azul, another customer of the model, has been flying 13 of its 14 jets – the only one not providing services is the PS-AEN, which has just been received.

The eight inactive KLM E195-E2s range from the PH-NXD registration plane, which made its last flight at Christmas, to the PH-NXC jet, which has not taken flights since September 11.

Most E2s have not flown since mid-December, which is a long time for a new aircraft in a period of high passenger demand. So much so that the rest of the airline’s fleet is operating daily, with the exception of one E175.

GTF engine installed on an E190-E2 (PW)

PW1900 engine issues require time-consuming inspections

The cause of the long inactivity of the Dutch E195-E2 is the need for lengthy inspections on Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900 engines. The problem is the same as that affecting the Airbus A220, equipped with the PW1500 version.

The advanced turbofan of the GTF series has an impressive performance in reducing emissions and fuel consumption, but has experienced worrying situations such as sudden in-flight shutdowns.

Air Tanzania A220-300 (AT)

To solve the issue, civil aviation authorities have decided to replace parts and update the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) management software.

To correct the failure, however, the aircraft have been on the ground for a long time. Air Tanzania, for example, had to cancel several flights due to the unavailability of its fleet of four A220s, since there are no spare engines and the maintenance process is time-consuming.

Air Data News contacted the KLM press office, which confirmed on Wednesday, that it is dealing with the problem, which does not affect the safety of the aircraft but prevents its more frequent use.

The usability of the E195-E2 is not yet optimal. The manufacturer of the Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engines P&W has taken a big step with a durable, economical, and quiet engine. However, this engine has performance problems that can be found on all platforms that operate with these engines, worldwide (not just the E2s). The performance problems do not affect flight safety, but they do affect fleet availability. The engine supplier and the aircraft manufacturer are currently working on finding solutions. In addition, KLC is working hard to limit the effects on the operation as much as possible,” said de company.

The status of KLM’s 14 E195-E2s on January 3

Registration Model SN Last flight
PH-NXF Embraer E195-E2 19020061 03/01/2023
PH-NXG Embraer E195-E2 19020062 03/01/2023
PH-NXH Embraer E195-E2 19020063 03/01/2023
PH-NXI Embraer E195-E2 19020064 03/01/2023
PH-NXN Embraer E195-E2 19020084 03/01/2023
PH-NXB Embraer E195-E2 19020047 31/12/2022
PH-NXD Embraer E195-E2 19020054 25/12/2022
PH-NXA Embraer E195-E2 19020045 19/12/2022
PH-NXK Embraer E195-E2 19020066 19/12/2022
PH-NXM Embraer E195-E2 19020076 18/12/2022
PH-NXJ Embraer E195-E2 19020065 11/12/2022
PH-NXE Embraer E195-E2 19020060 10/12/2022
PH-NXL Embraer E195-E2 19020067 09/10/2022
PH-NXC Embraer E195-E2 19020051 11/09/2022

Source: Planespotters and FlightRadar24

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